STEAMROLLERED.
I wrote that single word in my game notes to sum up the first period of last night’s Game 1 clash between the Penguins and Rangers. An apt description if there ever was one.
Indeed, my enduring vision of the opening 20 minutes came near the end of the frame. Rickard Rakell lie face down on the ice, courtesy of a crushing (and high) hit along the boards by Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Across the way another Penguin…Danton Heinen I believe…was on all fours and struggling to regain his skates.